Dressage & Combined Training

What is Dressage?

Dressage, (a French term, meaning ‘training’) is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. It makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, with a perfect understanding with his rider.

These qualities, which are fundamental to all disciplines, are:
* Freedom and regularity of the paces
* Harmony, lightness and ease of the movements
* Lightness of the forehand
* Engagement of the hind quarters, originating in a lively impulsion
* Acceptance of the bridle,
* Submissiveness throughout, without any tension or resistance.

A Dressage Event is composed of one or more competitions between individual mounted competitors, performing specified Dressage tests.

The levels of test available are:
* Walk/Trot
* Preparatory
* Preliminary
* Novice
* Elementary
* Medium

For more information on dressage, please refer to the following fact sheets:
* Requirements for Dressage Levels (PDF)
* Objects & Principles of Dressage(PDF)
* Origins of Dressage(PDF)
* The Paces(PDF)
* The Paces(PDF)

Performance Cards are required for official dressage in Pony Club

What is Combined Training?

Combined Training, is a two phase competition, Dressage with a Showjumping Course.

The Dressage and Jumping Tests, which make up a Combined Training Competition must be taken in that order.

Riders are graded by their dressage Grading or Age for level A, B or C. A change in individual Dressage grading will be reflected in Combined Training in the Dressage Level. Riders choose their own Showjumping height.

Individual Showjumping levels have no bearing on Combined Training.

EA Dressage Tests

As of the 6th January 2023, PCQ will be using 2023 EA Dressage Tests
https://www.equestrian.org.au/search/node/2023%20Dressage%20Tests

Judging Penalties will be replaced by Technical Faults as follows:
“Penalties” are now “Technical Faults” and changed to an 0.5% non-cumulative deduction (previously 2 penalty points).
The EDC believe this is much fairer for a mistake that does not impact on the actual judging of performance.
Technical faults are given for: incorrect or failure to salute/incorrect dress/boots/late or early entry are not to be confused with any error of course or test.
The noticing of the tongue and use of voice is taken off at the movement it is noted.

PCQ will be introducing a Preliminary Group to 12 & Under: (Ref Minutes0//03/2022 -3 year trial period)
This will allow riders in this age group to opt out of the current requirement to ride a Novice Test.
Classes will then be:
D1 Under 11yrs 1A – 1B Options of (1A, 1B & 1C)
D2 11 & Under 13yrs 1B – 1C Options of: (1A, 1B & 1C)
D3 11 & Under 13yrs 1B – 2A Options of: (1A, 1B & 1C and only test 2A due to leg yield in other Novice Tests.)
Etc.